Expect a rainy weekend – PAGASA

Expect scattered to widespread monsoon rains beginning today as storm "Karding" (Yagi) and a low pressure area (LPA) off the West Philippine Sea will further enhance the effects of southwest monsoon (habagat).

As of Thursday afternoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) estimated the location of Karding at 1,160 kilometers (km) east of Basco, Batanes.

It has maintained its maximum winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

PAGASA weather specialist

Meno Mendoza said Karding is not expected to make landfall in any part of the country but will induce moderate to heavy monsoon rains this weekend.

Should it maintain its westward track at 10 kph, Karding will be outside the country’s area of responsibility by Friday or Saturday.

Meanwhile, the LPA at 950 km west of Northern Luzon or outside the country’s area of responsibility will also help enhance the effects of the habagat.

Mendoza said Karding and the LPA will bring scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains over Northern and Central Luzon, especially over the western section, beginning today.

Metro Manila, Southern Luzon, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms, while Mindanao and the rest of Visayas will have isolated rains or thunderstorms.

Residents of these areas, especially those living near river channels, in low-lying areas, and in mountainous areas, are advised to take appropriate actions against possible flooding and landslide.

Mendoza also warned that sea travel remains risky over the western seaboard of Luzon, especially over Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, western Batangas, Occidental Mindoro and Palawan.